Hole liner and/or post mount

ABSTRACT

A hole liner and/or post mounting, such as a golf hole cup ( 10 ), has a removable end cap ( 18 ), for blanking an otherwise exposed lower end of a mounting stem bore ( 15 ) for a removable post, such as a flag stick ( 36 ); an integrated end cap and optional closure plate variant has a conical, rib bladed, tapered mounting spike profile, for ground penetration and engagement, to promote installed hole cup stability.

[0001] This invention relates to a hole liner and/or post mount, and isparticularly, but not exclusively, concerned with so-called hole cupsfor a golf game.

[0002] The term ‘golf’ is used herein to embrace a diversity of games inwhich a mobile playing element, most commonly a ball (but conceivably asliding puck), is driven into a target receptacle, to effect a score.

[0003] That said, the primary use is in relation to golf and puttinggreens with target holes.

[0004] Professional golf rules—such as the ‘Royal & Ancient (Golf Clubof St Andrews)’ or the US PGA—admit provision of a hole marker flag, orso-called flag stick.

[0005] Terminology

[0006] The term ‘stick’ is used herein for consistency with such rules,but the term ‘pin’ is also used colloquially in practice, so the termscan be regarded as interchangeable.

[0007] Thus Rule 17 defines a (flag) stick as . . . a movable straightindicator, with our without bunting or other material attached, centeredin the hole to show its position—and of circular cross-section.

[0008] Bespoke so-called ‘hole cups’ have evolved for flag sticksupport.

[0009] Such hole cups also serve as a robust hole liner or sleeve, topreserve hole integrity and thereby ensure a prescribed consistent(target) hole size.

[0010] Hole lining or reinforcement inhibits hole degradation orcollapse, under green surface trampling in the hole proximity, or underambient weathering.

[0011] A hole cup itself represents a relatively stable bracingstructure, of fixed form.

[0012] However, the ground upon which a course is laid, and in whichholes are cut, is an organic soil medium, and so in a constant change offlux.

[0013] Soil is subject to natural particle movement, under weatheringand ambient condition, including swelling under moisture and shrinkageunder drought.

[0014] Sandy soils, such as found on coastal sites, (including certainchampionship courses) have a loosely-bound character of low stability,and as such are particularly vulnerable to disturbance.

[0015] On the other hand clay soils can swell and shrink markedly withmoisture content and water table.

[0016] Similarly, temperature changes impact upon ground hardness andreaction to surface loading.

[0017] Thus a hole made in the ground does not necessarily retainindefinitely a stable configuration.

[0018] Rather, hole shape and size can vary unpredictably.

[0019] Nor is the ground necessarily a secure basis or platform fordriving in a flag stick.

[0020] A resilient flag stick can flex, bend or ‘whip’ significantly inprevailing winds—such as experienced on exposed coastal golf coursesites—and this imposes severe loads upon the ground and any hole cupmounting.

[0021] A poorly bound soil is a weak basis for flag stick mounting.

[0022] Thus there is a mismatch, or ‘behavioral disconformity’ between arelatively stable—or fixed format—hole cup and natural (less stable)soil movement and hole form variation.

[0023] Once installed, hole instability can engender hole cup movement.

[0024] So overall hole cup and flag pin mounting and installation areproblematic.

[0025] Post/Flag Stick Mounting

[0026] Hole cups commonly incorporate a mounting sleeve for a removableflag stick, pin, pole, post, or mast—to help locate, identify and targetthe hole, from a distance.

[0027] The flag stick is generally mounted upright and centrally, vis onthe hole axis.

[0028] The cup dimensions allow (carefully targeted) golf ball entrybetween the stick stem or shank and the hole walls.

[0029] If a ball should become lodged between hole and stick, the Rulesallow that a ball falling into the hole upon stick removal shall becounted as a score.

[0030] Provision for smooth stick removal is thus helpful.

[0031] A certain slack interfit tolerance can be contrived between stickand hole cup mounting sleeve to allow for this—whilst preserving agenerally upright stick stance.

[0032] Nevertheless, sticks can jam in their hole cup mounting sleeves,with the ingress of soil, sand, debris and other contaminants.

[0033] Moreover, the stick itself represents an obstruction and cangenerate ball deflection, when impacted.

[0034] Certain impact deflections promote ball entry, but most divert aball away from the hole.

[0035] Flag stick construction and material have an effect upon ballbehavior after impact.

[0036] Thus flexible flag sticks can absorb ball impact energy andengender ball drop down the stick into the hole.

[0037] Hence the stick is removed, by the player or the player's caddy,to avoid hole obstruction, before taking, or before arrival of, closershots.

[0038] Installation

[0039] In practice, for hole cup installation, prescribed holes arefirst drilled or cut into the course, generally using a bespoke corecutter tool, such as one with curved blades upon opposed scissor actionarms.

[0040] The hole cutter generates a standardised unitary cylindrical soilcore, available for hole refill—useful when relocating holes to even or(re)-distribute green wear.

[0041] The hole may be tapered, that is of greater diameter at the topthan at the bottom, to facilitate hole cup insertion.

[0042] Alternatively, a uniform, straight-sided, outer diameter may beused, particularly with metal hole cups, which are more readily extrudedor spun.

[0043] The hole cup is a snug inter-fit in the hole thus cut or drilledand commonly also incorporates a slight sleeve taper, complementary tothe hole tape profile, to facilitate insertion and removal.

[0044] The cup is periodically removed (by an approved, qualified,course superintendent, or green keeper) for cleaning—typically with apressure washer lance and brush—and to allow re-setting, if necessary ina freshly cut hole.

[0045] Game rules prescribe the (internal) dimensions (diameter) anddepth of a hole cup and that the upper rim of the cup is set somewhat(typically an inch or so) below the prevailing soil surface, so as notto impede ball play and hole entry.

[0046] However, local trampling of the ground surface around the hole,aside from surface wear and tear, generates vibration and underlyingsoil compaction.

[0047] Consequently, the cups can become progressively unsettled ordislodged in (depth) position and/or orientation.

[0048] In addition, hole cups become progressively filled (andeventually clogged) with dirt (bunker sand, grass clippings, soil, windborne leaves and other debris), say from the surrounding surface.

[0049] Water can also accumulate in the hole cup if clogged, and canspill into the stick mounting bore.

[0050] Upon removal, a damp or wet stick can drop moisture on the green,which can adversely affect green performance for putting.

[0051] A certain amount of hole cup disturbance also arises upon flagstick removal and (re-) insertion.

[0052] Thus, if the flag stick is re-instated vigorously, a cup can sinkin the hole.

[0053] If the flag stick is levered sideways, the cup as a whole becomestilted and its fit loosened or undermined.

[0054] If the flag stick seat jams in the hole cup, its forced removalmay unseat the cup.

[0055] Hole Cup Configuration

[0056] A hole cup generally features an internal base, somewhat insetfrom a lower rim, to provide a prescribed depth of ball container,allowing secure ball retention, but enabling ready removal once the holeis taken.

[0057] Provision is commonly made for hole cup drainage throughapertures in the inset base.

[0058] The apertures are typically disposed radially about a centralmounting hub or sleeve for a flag stick, or more particularly a mountingferrule upon the stick lower end.

[0059] The hub itself has a through-bore, for ease of moulding inmanufacture.

[0060] In a conventional hole cup, flag stick longitudinal travel in thehub bore is thus limited only by stick ferrule and hole cup mountingseat interaction.

[0061] Both rain and debris can fall through the inset base apertures.

[0062] Whilst rain soaks away in the underlying and surrounding soil,solid debris accumulates.

[0063] Thus such fallen debris may eventually clog the chamberunderlying the inset base.

[0064] The hole cup may then become unseated, with the inset base ridinginsecurely upon compacted debris layers.

[0065] A similar fate can befall the stick mounting hub bore, displacingan inserted stick end and obstructing full stick insertion.

[0066] The risk is aggravated if the hole cup sinks as a whole.

[0067] Upon sinkage, the internal soil level rises closer to theunderside of the inset base.

[0068] This reduces the capacity for debris and the stick mounting boredepth.

[0069] If the stick cannot be driven fully home, it will not sitsecurely and squarely within the mounting hub and will likely tilt over.

[0070] Even an installed stick can be progressively lifted, upon cupsinkage and entry of soil into the lower throat of the stick mountingbore.

[0071] Should prevailing winds promote stick (sway) motion and tilting,the stick may eventually fall over.

[0072] In doing so the hole cup itself can become dislodged.

[0073] Material

[0074] Hole cups are commonly moulded (or extruded) from syntheticplastics material, such as ABS, of a grade which will withstandweathering and sunlight (UV) exposure.

[0075] Alternatively, hole cups can be fabricated from aluminum or alloy(eg turned die castings).

[0076] Hole cup feature complexity reflects the material productionprocess used.

[0077] Thus re-entrant features, such as lipped edges to the hublocating spokes and threaded hub bores may be contrived.

[0078] Ferrule & Mounting Stem

[0079] The Applicant has previously devised a complementaryinter-fitting segmented—in particular fluted stem—flag stick mountingferrule and ‘lead-in’ profile or mouth to a hole cup sleeve or hub.

[0080] This stick ferrule and hole cup mounting hub interfit inhibitsrelative rotational movement and attendant wear, particular with ingressof soil particles intervening between ferrule and sleeve bore.

[0081] The stick mounting ferrule may be of metal, such as an aluminumalloy, or plastics.

[0082] However, a relatively soft plastics hole cup material isparticularly susceptible to wear from a relatively hard metal ferrule.

[0083] The ferrule embodies a slight taper—as may the corresponding stembore—to facilitate insertion and removal and to promote a close contactinterfit upon insertion.

[0084] The ferrule has a flared head underside, to limit insertiondepth, and which sits upon a complementary seat in the mounting hub.

[0085] More particularly, ribs aligned with the ferrule splines andunderlying the head, sit in corresponding recesses or pockets around thecircumference of the hub seat, at the head of a stick mounting stem.

[0086] Flutes along the tapered shank below the flared seat reduce thelocal contact between ferrule base stem and seat and thus reduce therisk of mutual jamming upon ingress of soil, sand or debris.

[0087] Cup Removal

[0088] A bespoke tool (not illustrated) may be used for cup removal,with, say, (diametrically) opposed radial lugs upon an end of anelongate shaft.

[0089] Lug insertion into the apertures, between hub location spokes,allows the lugs to travel below the inset base.

[0090] Upon stem rotation, the spokes are engaged from beneath by thelugs.

[0091] The entire cup can then be withdrawn, by pulling the shaftupwards.

[0092] A hole cup might be removed for (putting) green maintenance—evenmerely green cutting—or hole re-setting.

[0093] Statement of Invention

[0094] According to one aspect of the invention,

[0095] A hole liner and/or post mounting,

[0096] comprising

[0097] a hollow sleeve,

[0098] with an inset base,

[0099] a hollow, post mounting stub,

[0100] disposed in the base,

[0101] and configured to locate an end closure cap.

[0102] When installed, such a cap inhibits ingress—from below into theflag stick mounting bore—of debris which might otherwise drive the stickferrule upward, or impede full stick insertion travel, so underminingstick mounting security, or jam the stick ferrule in situ.

[0103] Cap removal, upon withdrawal of a hole cup from a hole,facilitates cleaning debris from the hole cup and in particular thestick mounting sleeve.

[0104] The cap may be a snug press (interference) fit upon the sleevemounting stem, but for security of installation, a threaded fitment isadvantageous.

[0105] To that end, internal or external threads might be employed.

[0106] Thus the mounting stem may be provided with a threaded internalbore, for complementary interfit with an external cap thread.

[0107] The cap body may be waisted at the thread, to achieve an insetthreaded shank, for mounting stem insertion and a more consistent outersurface diameter of cap and stem.

[0108] The stem bore cap may be of metal, such as brass (or an aluminumalloy), for resistance to corrosion.

[0109] Attendant cap weight also contributes modestly to keeping thehole cup upright and stable.

[0110] A thread on a metal cap may be used as a thread cutter on arelatively soft (synthetic plastics) mounting stem.

[0111] Alternatively, a metal thread insert or liner could be pressfitted or integrally moulded into the stem lower mouth, for locating ametal cap thread.

[0112] For an all-plastics construction, a plastic end cap, withintegrally moulded threads, could fit upon a plastics mounting stem.

[0113] For an all-metal construction, an aluminum or alloy hole cup andend cap assembly, with threaded interfit, could be contrived.

[0114] Cap Drainage Apertures

[0115] Apertures in the cap, such as radial or diametral holes in thecap wall, can allow drainage of water ingress into the stem mountingbore.

[0116] Cap Turning

[0117] Diametrically-opposed cap drainage apertures could also be usedas (de-)mounting fitments, to gain turning purchase or leverage for capinstallation and removal.

[0118] A bespoke interfitting cap turning tool, say with diametricallyopposed arms or lugs, could be contrived.

[0119] Internal Cap Profile—Stick Ferrule Location

[0120] The internal cap wall profile could be adapted better to locatean inserted stick end ferrule, and thus inhibit stick movement withoutundue risk of stick jamming.

[0121] Thus internal cap projections could locate within recesses in aninserted flag stick, or rather a stick end ferrule.

[0122] For example, a central upstanding internal cap base spigot couldlocate within an end aperture or bore of a stick ferrule.

[0123] Similarly, an internal circumferential recess or groove couldlocate an ‘O’-ring seal providing a resilient fit with the circumferenceof a stick ferrule.

[0124] Yet again, ribs, lugs or upstands could locate between stickferrule ribs.

[0125] Stem Projection Stub or Stake

[0126] The lower end of the hub stem may project somewhat beyond thelower sleeve rim, as a ground engaging—or even penetrating—stub orstake.

[0127] Hub stem projection also facilitates cap installation.

[0128] Inset Stem

[0129] Alternatively, the lower hub stem and associated end cap may beinset within and (axially) inboard of the circumference of the sleevelower rim, so that the cap is wholly or partially enshrouded by thesleeve when fitted.

[0130] Conical Seat

[0131] The base is conveniently configured as conical seat, about acentral mounting stem bore.

[0132] A (golf) ball falling into the cup thus transits to the centre,subject to (pre-)insertion of a flag stick in the mounting stem.

[0133] The mounting stem bore itself is desirably slightly tapered fromtop to bottom, to allow a self-weighting tight interfit with acorresponding tapered base to a post, pole, shaft or stick.

[0134] Multiple segmented apertures could be disposed through the basewall thickness or depth, around the central mounting hub, to allowpassage of dirt and debris to below.

[0135] Webs between such segments could be extended longitudinally asbase stiffening and support lugs.

[0136] Such lugs also afford purchase for a cup removal tool, withelements which pass through the base apertures and engage the lugs uponrotation.

[0137] Ferrule Nose Rib Profile Rounding & Base Web Chamfer

[0138] Relative (self-) location and seating of ferrule and hub ispromoted by:

[0139] rounding or radiussing of ferrule nose rib profile; and

[0140] chamfered faces of webs between base apertures.

[0141] Cap Profile

[0142] The cap could be ribbed, serrated or burred finish, for ease ofgrip, upon installation and rotation.

[0143] Cap (outer) profiling could incorporate projections, such asribs, lugs, spades (ie bladed lugs) studs, or spikes, to facilitateground penetration, as a supplementary stabilising foot to the hole cupsleeve interfit with the hole walls.

[0144] This could inhibit hole cup loosening, even when hole cups arefitted to holes deliberately cut somewhat under-size.

[0145] The cap could locate, or be integrated with, an end closurewasher or plate.

[0146] Either or both cap and end closure plate could feature outer endprofiling—such as projecting ribs, studs, blades or spikes, etc—forground penetration.

[0147] Stem Profile

[0148] Similar considerations—ie of ribs etc—could apply to the mountingstem outer profile.

[0149] Embodiment(s)

[0150] There now follows a description of some particular embodiments ofthe invention, by way of example only, with reference to theaccompanying diagrammatic and schematic drawings, in which:

[0151]FIG. 1A shows a part-sectional, part-cut away, elevation of a holecup (section taken along line a-b in FIG. 1B);

[0152]FIG. 1B shows an upper plan view of hole cup of FIG. 1A;

[0153]FIG. 1C shows an underside plan view of the hole cup of FIG. 1A;

[0154]FIGS. 2A through 2C show a flag stick mounting ferrule, for usewith the hole cup of FIGS. 1A through 1C;

[0155] More specifically,

[0156]FIG. 2A shows a side elevation of a stick mounting ferrule withflutes upon a tapered lower stem;

[0157]FIG. 2B shows a plan view of the stick mounting ferrule of FIG.2A, with rounded profile location ribs upon a flared cap nose;

[0158]FIG. 2C shows an underside view of the stick mounting ferrule ofFIGS. 2A and 2B, with juxtaposed cap ribs and stem flutes;

[0159]FIGS. 3A through 3C show upper plan views depicting introduction,location and seating stages of installing a flag stick with mountingferrule in a hole cup;

[0160] Companion inset detail shows the indexing interaction betweenferrule and hole cup pockets;

[0161] Thus, more specifically,

[0162]FIG. 3A shows an upper plan view of a flag stick with mountingferrule offered up to a hole cup;

[0163] The inset shows, in detail, chamfered longitudinal (upright),radial (lateral) and circumferential web edges at hole cup baseapertures, to promote ferrule self-seating;

[0164]FIG. 3B shows an upper plan view of a flag stick with mountingferrule partially inserted into a mounting stem bore and allowed toself-settle rotationally preparatory to full insertion;

[0165] The inset detail shows a ferrule rib interacting with thechamfered profile of the hole cup web, to promote rib seating in cuppocket;

[0166]FIG. 3C shows a flag stick with base mounting ferrule fullyinserted into a hole cup;

[0167] The inset detail shows the ferrule rib seated in the hole cuppocket;

[0168]FIGS. 4A through 4C show corresponding side elevations of FIGS. 3Athrough 3C respectively;

[0169] Thus, more specifically:

[0170]FIG. 4A shows a part-sectioned, part cut-away side elevation,taken along the line a-b in FIG. 3A;

[0171]FIG. 4B shows a part-sectioned, part cut-away side elevation ofFIG. 3B;

[0172]FIG. 4C shows a part-sectioned, part cut-away side elevation ofFIG. 4C;

[0173]FIGS. 5A through 5C show part-sectioned, part cut-away sideelevations of variant end cap and stick mounting ferrule configurations;

[0174] Thus, more specifically:

[0175]FIG. 5A shows a flag stick and mounting ferrule partially insertedinto a hole cup;

[0176]FIG. 5B shows an enlarged detail of hole cup end cap, with aninternal axial stub projection, to locate within the hollow end of astick mounting ferrule;

[0177]FIG. 5C shows the end cap of FIG. 5B with inserted stick mountingferrule;

[0178]FIG. 5D shows a variant end cap to FIG. 5A, with inset locatingshoulders or webs to locate stick mounting ferrule ribs;

[0179]FIG. 5E shows the end cap variant of FIG. 5D with inserted stickmounting ferrule;

[0180]FIGS. 6A through 6C show variant hole cup aperture configurations;

[0181] Thus, more specifically:

[0182]FIG. 6A shows an upper plan view of a hole cup with a somewhatdenser (radiating) array, or greater multiplicity, of correspondinglyindividually smaller vane apertures than with, say, the variant of FIG.1A;

[0183]FIG. 6B shows an upper plan view of a hole cup with a somewhatlesser number of larger (radiating) vane apertures that the variants ofeither FIGS. 1A or 6A;

[0184]FIG. 6C shows an upper plan view of a hole cup with a spiral orswirl array of vane apertures; and

[0185]FIG. 7 shows a perspective exploded 3-D perspective view ofaxially aligned mounting ferrule, hole cup, end closure plate or washerand end cap;

[0186]FIGS. 8A through 8F show variant end closure cap (groundengagement) profiles, for a central (flag stick) mounting hub—eachadmitting of diverse fitments, including external or internal threads;

[0187] Thus, more specifically:

[0188]FIG. 8A shows a longitudinal ribbed circumferential cap side wallprofile;

[0189]FIG. 8B shows a tapered rib circumferential side wall anddifferentiated ribbed tapered spigot end cap profile;

[0190]FIG. 8C shows a curvilinear contiguous format of aligned taperedribbed side wall and end spigot profile;

[0191]FIG. 8D shows a (diametral) bladed end cap outer circumferentialand end plate profile;

[0192]FIG. 8E shows a multiple ribbed cap and contiguous stub blade endprofile;

[0193]FIG. 8F shows a variant of FIG. 8E with more pronouncedcurvilinear format tapered end blades;

[0194]FIGS. 9A through 9D show variant hole cup end closure—vis: cap and(integrated) cover plate—configurations;

[0195] Thus, more specifically:

[0196]FIG. 9A shows a fragmentary exploded underside perspective view ofa hole cup stem lower end—and juxtaposed integral (flag stick) mountingstem closure cap and cover plate, with a smooth flat end surfaceprofile, for ground abutment;

[0197]FIG. 9B shows the hole cup end closure arrangement of FIG. 9Aassembled;

[0198]FIG. 9C shows a variant integral mounting stub closure cap and endcover plate to that of FIGS. 9A and 9B—with a continuous aligned taperedribbed side wall and end spigot profile, generally corresponding to thatof FIG. 8C, for ground penetration and engagement;

[0199]FIG. 9D shows a variant integral mounting stub closure cap and endcover plate to that of FIG. 9A—with a pronounced rib pattern contiguoustapered bladed end profile for ground engagement, generallycorresponding to that of FIG. 8F;

[0200]FIGS. 10A and 10B show a conical 3-D profile integrated end capand closure plate variant to those of FIGS. 9A through 9D;

[0201] Thus, more specifically:

[0202]FIG. 10A shows an exploded perspective view, taken somewhat frombelow and one side, of an integral conical end cap and closure plate,with pronounced ribbed profile, juxtaposed with a hole cup sleeve lowerend;

[0203]FIG. 10B shows the hole cup end closure arrangement of FIG. 11Aassembled;

[0204]FIGS. 11A and 11B show another variant integrated end cap andclosure plate to that of FIGS. 10A and 10B;

[0205] Thus, more specifically:

[0206]FIG. 11A is an upright sectional view of the lower end of a holecup, fitted with an integral mounting stem closure cap and end coverplate, configured as a mounting spike, with tapered radial web blades,for ground penetration and engagement;

[0207]FIG. 11B is a perspective view, taken somewhat from below and oneside, of the bladed end closure of FIG. 11A.

[0208] Referring to the drawings, a hole cup or hole liner 10 comprisesa hollow cylindrical, thin-walled, sleeve or barrel 11, with a conicalprofile internal base floor or seat 12 inset somewhat from one (lower)end.

[0209] Centrally and axially disposed within the base 12 is a mountingstem or sleeve 14, with a tapered mounting bore 15, for a flag stick(not shown), or more particularly, a stick ferrule 30, shownindividually in FIGS. 2A through 2C.

[0210] Upon the lower end of the mounting stem 14 is fitted a threadedend cap 18, as a closure projecting (in this example) somewhat below the(lower) end of the cup 12.

[0211] In this example, the cap 18 has an external threaded bore 22, forcomplementary interfit with a corresponding internal thread 24 upon theinner neck (or neck collar insert) of the mounting stem 14.

[0212] In practice, the end cap 18 and mounting stem thread 24 may becomposed of a relatively hard material, say metal, such as brass or evenaluminum alloy mounting.

[0213] The (metal) internal stem thread 24 may be formed upon an insert27, bonded or integrally moulded into a recess in the lower part of stem14, to preserve a continuous bore profile 15 upon end cap 18installation—for ferrule 30 insertion.

[0214] Alternatively, using a relatively soft material, say syntheticplastics, such as ABS, for the hole cup 10, the internal stem thread 24may initially be cut by a relatively hard, say metal, cap thread 22.

[0215] The end cap 18 has diametrically opposed radial apertures 19through its wall, as drainage channels communicating with the stem bore15.

[0216] The holes 19 may also be used as torque leverage or purchasepoints for cap 18 installation and removal—using a bespoke turningwrench (not shown), with corresponding diametral locating sticks on atool head.

[0217] The conical inset base 12 has a series of radial aperturesegments 17, uniformly circumferentially disposed around the stem 14, ascommunication passages between opposite (upper and lower) sleeve ends26, 28.

[0218] The terms upper and lower refer to sleeve 10 orientation inintended use, with a hole cup 10 sitting generally upright in a hole inthe ground (not shown).

[0219] Between the aperture segments 17 are radial base wall supportwebs 16, extending somewhat longitudinally, as depicted in the sectionalview of FIG. 1A.

[0220] The webs 16 also serve as a convenient location points for a holecup removal tool (not shown), with limbs penetrating the segmentedapertures 17 and turned to engage the webs 16 for cup rotation, toloosen it prior to longitudinal withdrawal.

[0221] The webs 16 also stiffen the overall structure, for resistance tobending and twisting loads imposed by a (relatively tall) flag stick(not shown) inserted into the mounting bore 15 (through an interveningmounting ferrule described later).

[0222] The end cap 18 inhibits ingress of soil, from below, when thehole cup 10 is installed—and particularly upon any hole cup 10 sinkage.

[0223] Thus the full extent of the mounting bore 15 remains available toa flag stick, which would otherwise be progressively displaced upwardstherefrom.

[0224] The upper internal cup region 26 accommodates the flag stick,whilst leaving room for (golf) ball entry and descent to the conicalinset base floor 12.

[0225] The lower internal cup region 28, at the underside of the conicalinset base 12 accommodates debris falling through the apertures 17—whichcan accumulate there, without obstructing flag stick insertion or (golf)ball entry.

[0226]FIG. 1B depicts a series of pockets 23 around the upper entrymouth to the mounting stem 14 and stem bore 15.

[0227]FIG. 2A shows a flag stick (base) mounting ferrule 30, configuredas a tapered hollow cylindrical stub, with a central axial (flag) stickmounting bore 35 and shallow depth, circumferentially spaced outerradial flutes 34 and webs 31 along a lower stem.

[0228] The ferrule 30 head has a truncated or ‘frusto’ conical form,with a tapered nose 33 surmounting a shoulder rim 37.

[0229] Overlying the shoulder rim 37, upon a conical seat 39, are aseries of curved or round-shouldered radial ribs or webs 32, forlocating within corresponding recessed pockets 23 at the mounting stementry mouth in the hole cup 10.

[0230] The curved surface profile of both ribs 32, along withlongitudinal (upright) edge chamfers 25C, radial edge chamfers 25A andcircumferential edge chamfers 25C to web shoulders of seat lands orpockets 23, together promote a self-seating rotational settling undergravity action—as depicted in FIG. 3B and companion inset detail—once aferrule 30 is inserted into a mounting stem 14 and its weight istransferred.

[0231] Thus the combined weight of ferrule 30 and flag stick 36, withminimal rotational ‘shuffling’ alignment, locates and seats the ribs 32within the pockets 23.

[0232] The locating interfit of ferrule webs or ribs 32 and pockets 23inhibits ferrule rotation in the mounting stem 14.

[0233] The flag stick 36 itself, is a tight (interference) fit within anaxial bore 35 in ferrule 30.

[0234] This in turn inhibits (chafing) wear, between relatively hard(say diecast metal alloy) ferrule material and relatively soft, say ABSplastics, hole cup material.

[0235] Such relative wear would also be aggravated by any interveninggrains or particles, such as from sandy soil or sand bunkers.

[0236] To accommodate differences in flag stick 36 diameters, it isenvisaged that ferrules may have differential, say stepped, borediameters.

[0237]FIG. 7 depicts an optional closure collar plate or washer 38—say,configured as an annular ring, of flexible material, such as rubber, orsemi-rigid synthetic plastics—for fitment as an end blanking plate, toinhibit access (from below) the lower internal sleeve region 28.

[0238] The collar 38 could be an interference fit upon the outer profileof a protruding lower end of mounting stem 14 and/or held captive by endcap 18.

[0239] The collar 38 can be inset within the sleeve 11 wall internalperiphery, or abut the sleeve end.

[0240] The collar 38 is readily removed, say for cleaning, upon end cap18 removal.

[0241] Indeed, the end cap 18 itself could be an interference (iesliding push) fit into the bespoke groove of the mounting stem 14 endstub—albeit a threaded interconnection is more secure.

[0242] The webs 16 could be of stepped end profile, as depicted in FIG.7A, forming shallow ribs at the end of mounting stem 14, for end cap 18engagement.

[0243] Rather than merely a ‘passive’ closure, the end cap 18 profilecould be tailored to feature, say, a (tapered) ground penetration heador spike, or even a screw auger (not shown), for additional security ofhole cup 10 mounting location and tilt resistance.

[0244] The various hole cup sleeve, mounting stem, closure cap and endcover plate refinements of FIGS. 8A through 11B are believed generallyself-explanatory—from the respective drawings and attendant summaryintroduction.

[0245] The intention is to convey that feature profiles:

[0246] admit of considerable variation, for a given function; and

[0247] can afford supplementary functionality.

[0248] Thus, in particular, the mounting stem end cap (profile)treatment can promote more secure ground engagement—resisting hole cupdisturbance, mis-alignment and dislodgement, upon repeated flag stickremoval and re-insertion.

[0249] That same treatment can also help in manual grip and handling,for installation and removal.

[0250] The outer surface of the hole cup sleeve has been depicted asgenerally smooth and continuous, for close hole wall conformity, ease ofmanufacture and hole insertion.

[0251] That said, localised surface ‘disconformities’, irregularities orindeed protrusions (not shown)—such as the ribs or diametral edgeblades, identified as options for the mounting stem end cap and closureplate—could be incorporated, to promote a tighter, more securehole/sleeve inter-fit.

[0252] Component list

[0253]10 hole cup/liner

[0254]11 sleeve

[0255]12 inset conical base

[0256]14 mounting stem

[0257]15 bore

[0258]16 webs

[0259]17 segments

[0260]18 end cap

[0261]19 apertures

[0262]22 threads

[0263]23 pockets

[0264]24 threads

[0265]25A chamfered radial edge of web

[0266]25B chamfered circumferential edge of web

[0267]25C chamfered lateral edge of web

[0268]26 upper cup region

[0269]27 insert

[0270]28 lower cup region

[0271]30 ferrule

[0272]31 flute

[0273]32 rib

[0274]33 nose

[0275]34 flute

[0276]35 bore

[0277]36 flag stick

[0278]37 shoulder rim

[0279]38 closure collar/washer

[0280]39 seat

1. A hole liner and/or post mounting (10), comprising a hollow sleeve(11), with an inset base (12), a hollow, post mounting stub (14),disposed in the base, and configured to locate an end closure cap.
 2. Ahole liner and/or post mounting, as claimed in claim 1, with a removableend cap (18), for the post mounting stub, to inhibit ingress, frombelow, of soil or debris, into a stub bore.
 3. A hole liner and/or postmounting, as claimed in claim 1, with a removable end cap, threaded uponthe post mounting stub.
 4. A hole liner and/or post mounting, as claimedin claim 1, wherein the post mounting stub is surrounded by a pluralityof (radial) webs (16), linking the stub to a peripheral sleeve wall(11), and with intervening aperture segments (17), through the base wall(12).
 5. A hole liner and/or post mounting, as claimed in claim 1, witha conical base configuration, and a post mounting stub at the cone apex.6. A hole liner and/or post mounting comprising an elongate hollowcylindrical sleeve, a base inset from one sleeve end, an inner mountingstem, with a hollow bore, disposed (axially) within the base, andsurrounded by apertures, a removable (closure) cap, [for blanking a borelower end]
 7. A hole liner and/or post mounting, as claimed in claim 6,configured as a golf hole cup.
 8. A golf hole cup (10), configured as ahole liner and/or post mounting, as claimed in claim 1, with a removableend cap (18), for blanking an otherwise exposed lower end of a mountingstem bore (15), for a removable flag stick.
 9. A removable end cap, fora hole liner/post mounting or golf hole cap, as claimed in claim
 1. 10.A removable end cap, as claimed in claim 9, with one or more surfaceprofile protrusions, such as spikes, studs, ribs, or blades, to promoteground penetration and engagement.
 11. An integrated end cap and closureplate, for a golf hole cup, as claimed in claim
 1. 12. An integrated endcap and closure plate, for a golf hole cup, as claimed in claim
 1. witha surface profile, in particular protrusions, such as spikes, studs,ribs, or blades, to promote ground penetration and engagement.